Observation/Reflection #3: A Matter of Style
During this visit, you should work with one or more groups of students if you haven't already, and observe your teacher doing the same. For this journal entry, describe your teacher's teaching style. What type of relationships with students does he or she nurture in his or her classes? How do students perceive that power is distributed in the classes? Does this vary within or across the different classes the teacher has? Cite examples from your observations to support your inferences. Remember to reflect on what style of teaching you will gravitate toward and the how you want to be perceived by your students.
Observation:
Half of the sixth graders attended Camp Bournedale in Cape Cod this week. Camp Bournedale is a week long science camp. The students who did not attend had a week of "science fun" planned and today we made rockets. At the start of class each student was assembling their rockets which will be launched tomorrow. My CT distributed the materials and then her and I went around the room and helped the students.
I have noticed that my CT has total control over her classes. When she wanted their attention today she raised her hand and the class had to stop talking and do the same. They all stopped what they were doing and looked up at her. She talked in a normal voice, explained what they were doing today, reminded them about the consequences if they did not behave or follow directions, and then instructed them to begin. During the activty she pointed out students who were doing what they were suposed to be doing and gave out "Tigger Bucks", these are used as a form of cash to buy school supplies in the school store. She is always serious about teaching science and completeing activites and I think the students see that. She is very organized and gives clear directions so that students know just what they have to do and where to get their materials. I believe that my CT's teaching style is that of a "facilitator". I believe this because her instruction is learner oriented. Reflection:
I believe that the "facilitator" teaching style works best with students who accept responsibility for their own learning and also enjoy working with their peers. I believe that this style would also includes those students who may become easily frustrated when facing new challenges, this may be students with learning differences. My CT acts as a role model and a coach who guides students in a way that helps them to develop and apply skills and knowledge. Her instruction is student-centered and she enjoys activities to keep students engaged. While the students were making the rockets she walked around the room checking on them and giving assistance where it was needed. When I had asked her about her teaching style she told me that she believes in respect and that is why she does not raise her voice. For example using "raise the hand" to get students attention. You can tell that the students respect her because they behave and connect with her. She motivates them with positive reinforcement and I can tell that this works because they are always looking for her advice and approval, especially in the "B" groups. Some of these students feel as though other teachers do not like them so they do not care to try or behave for that matter. I noticed that my CT does not judge them and tries to get their attention more and motivate them. I hope to gain this kind of respect in the classroom one day because it only takes one teacher to influence a students' life. I think that having this kind of positive influence has great rewards, especially academically. I believe that my CT is and will be an excellent role model for me as well and I am enthusiastic about working with her because I want her to guide me and teach me what she knows about teaching and why her style works.
During this visit, you should work with one or more groups of students if you haven't already, and observe your teacher doing the same. For this journal entry, describe your teacher's teaching style. What type of relationships with students does he or she nurture in his or her classes? How do students perceive that power is distributed in the classes? Does this vary within or across the different classes the teacher has? Cite examples from your observations to support your inferences. Remember to reflect on what style of teaching you will gravitate toward and the how you want to be perceived by your students.
Observation:
Half of the sixth graders attended Camp Bournedale in Cape Cod this week. Camp Bournedale is a week long science camp. The students who did not attend had a week of "science fun" planned and today we made rockets. At the start of class each student was assembling their rockets which will be launched tomorrow. My CT distributed the materials and then her and I went around the room and helped the students.
I have noticed that my CT has total control over her classes. When she wanted their attention today she raised her hand and the class had to stop talking and do the same. They all stopped what they were doing and looked up at her. She talked in a normal voice, explained what they were doing today, reminded them about the consequences if they did not behave or follow directions, and then instructed them to begin. During the activty she pointed out students who were doing what they were suposed to be doing and gave out "Tigger Bucks", these are used as a form of cash to buy school supplies in the school store. She is always serious about teaching science and completeing activites and I think the students see that. She is very organized and gives clear directions so that students know just what they have to do and where to get their materials. I believe that my CT's teaching style is that of a "facilitator". I believe this because her instruction is learner oriented.
Reflection:
I believe that the "facilitator" teaching style works best with students who accept responsibility for their own learning and also enjoy working with their peers. I believe that this style would also includes those students who may become easily frustrated when facing new challenges, this may be students with learning differences. My CT acts as a role model and a coach who guides students in a way that helps them to develop and apply skills and knowledge. Her instruction is student-centered and she enjoys activities to keep students engaged. While the students were making the rockets she walked around the room checking on them and giving assistance where it was needed. When I had asked her about her teaching style she told me that she believes in respect and that is why she does not raise her voice. For example using "raise the hand" to get students attention. You can tell that the students respect her because they behave and connect with her. She motivates them with positive reinforcement and I can tell that this works because they are always looking for her advice and approval, especially in the "B" groups. Some of these students feel as though other teachers do not like them so they do not care to try or behave for that matter. I noticed that my CT does not judge them and tries to get their attention more and motivate them. I hope to gain this kind of respect in the classroom one day because it only takes one teacher to influence a students' life. I think that having this kind of positive influence has great rewards, especially academically. I believe that my CT is and will be an excellent role model for me as well and I am enthusiastic about working with her because I want her to guide me and teach me what she knows about teaching and why her style works.